|A heavy tank gun on a medium tank chassis, the 121 is a tank that allows the traditionally low-damage mediums to suddenly cause chaos and fear in opposing battle lines by removing large chunks of health unexpectedly. A tank incapable of swift response at range, the 121 is a consummate brawler and is found in the front and center of any major tussle. Packing firepower but not sacrificing the mobility other mediums possess, the 121 allows for relocation from one fight to another as a match drags on. By quickly adding more damage to tanks focused by the rest of the pack, the 121 eliminates threats, creates overmatch in an area, and with that carves the path to conquest.

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|The 121 continues the Chinese tradition of installing the largest gun possible on a medium tank. The 121 is an all round improvement over the WZ-120 with improved gun handling and DPM being the main benefits.

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With its 122mm gun, the 121 excels in the peek-and-boom role, and may outtrade most other medium tanks or even heavy tanks. The armor might not lend itself to proper front-line use, but as always the soup-bowl turret and angled frontal plate will extend your survivability.

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The 121 is a menacing opponent for any tank in a straight close-range brawl and is flexible enough to carry games with its raw damage output. Still, expect to struggle if not fighting on your own terms - the gun handling is nowhere near the best T10 mediums.

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|InTheGame_pros=

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* Very good raw gun values: high damage-per-shell and -per-minute both, high penetration

The 121 is quite similar to the [[T-62A]]. It has near identical camo values, which are excellent, and similar hard stats (engine power, front turret armor). It's ideal for those who wished they had a T-62A configured for brawling. Close to mid-range is where the 121 outperforms the T-62A. In comparison, the T-62A's shell velocity is much higher (due to lower caliber and standard APCR ammo) and the tank is more agile. The 121's slower-moving shells, longer aim time, and non-existent gun depression make it sub-par at long-distance sniping. However, the 121's accuracy is nothing to scoff at, especially in comparison to its preceding tanks.

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The 121 is superficially similar to the [[T-62A]], being one of the many tanks descended from the [[T-54]]. It has near identical camo values, which are excellent, similar hull geometry, and similar hard stats (engine power, front turret armor). However, the high alpha gun make it a completely different vehicle. It's ideal for those who wished they had a T-62A configured for brawling. Close to mid-range is where the 121 outperforms the T-62A. In comparison, the T-62A's shell velocity is much higher (due to using APCR ammo over AP), offers better dispersion stats and the tank is overall more agile. The 121's slower-moving shells, longer aim time make it sub-par at long-distance sniping. However, the 121's accuracy is still quite decent for a chinese tank, especially in comparison to its predecessors.

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Boasting the highest alpha damage and second highest DPM among the tier X mediums, the 121 is well-stocked in firepower. It's widely unknown that the 121 wields the same gun as the [[IS-4]], a tier 10 heavy tank. The Chinese version, however, is vastly improved... namely the 25% faster reload speed. This reload can be shaved down to ~8 seconds with a rammer and BIA. It's a huge advantage in brawling; the 121 can easily fire two shots before most heavies get a chance to reload, among the tier 10 heavies, only the [[FV215b]] and [[T110E5]] can compete in reload speed.

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Boasting the highest alpha damage among the tier X mediums, the 121 is well-stocked in raw firepower. It's widely unknown that the 121 wields the same gun as the [[IS-4]], a tier 10 heavy tank. Installed on a medium tank, however, the gun sports a 25% faster reload speed. This reload can be shaved down to ~8 seconds with a rammer and BIA, giving it the advantage it needs to compete in a close-range brawl.

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The 121's 120mm front hull is comparable to that of the infamous [[T-54]], and superior to that of the T-62A. As such, T-54 drivers who are familiar with the basic corner maneuver, (see [https://forum.worldoftanks.com/index.php?/topic/279189-angling-is-op-nerf-it-now/#top here]), can almost triple their armor effectiveness. Head-on and not angled, the hull is effective to around 200 pen; substantial protection against lower tiers, but otherwise average for tier 10 mediums. Also, the lower glacis is a large weakness and is easily penetrated, unlike on the T-54, where the lower glacis retains 120mm of armor.

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The 121's 120mm front hull is pretty much the same that of the infamous [[T-54]], superior to that of the T-62A. A basic corner maneuver, (see [https://forum.worldoftanks.com/index.php?/topic/279189-angling-is-op-nerf-it-now/#top here]), that takes advantage of the no-shoulders hull design almost triples the armor effectiveness, allowing the upper front plate to deflect an IS-7's gold shells (300 pen) with ease. Furthermore, when done successfully, this maneuver opens up the opportunity for the aforementioned double-tap, tricking the enemy into reloading. Head-on and not angled, the hull is effective to around 200 pen; substantial protection against lower tiers. However, your lower glacis is a large deterence and is easily penetrated, unlike the T-54 where the lower glacis retains 120mm of armor.

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The 121 is not for everyone. The mediocre (for a T10) gun handling can be a huge deterrence; skilled driving and experienced marksmanship are essential. The 121 can be exceptionally devastating in an aggressive, yet not-reckless, playstyle. It finds itself at home alongside heavy tanks by taking advantage of reloading enemies, friendly heavy armor, and exposed flanks. Although deadly in an one-on-one brawl, the 121 still remains a medium tank. It doesn't have the hitpoints nor armor to spare. Keep in mind that the excellent camo values provide the 121 great flexibility on the battlefield, maximising your potential in situations where you can't stay exposed for multiple shots.

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The 121 is not for everyone. The lack of gun depression can be a huge deterrence; skilled driving and experienced knowledge of the terrain is essential. Hull-down positions can be accomplished by using uneven terrain to take advantage of the strong turret. The 121 can be exceptionally devastating in an aggressive, yet not-reckless, playstyle. It finds itself at home alongside heavy tanks by taking advantage of reloading enemies, friendly heavy armor, and exposed flanks. Although deadly in an one-on-one brawl, the 121 still remains a medium tank. It doesn't have the hitpoints nor armor the to spare. Think like an autoloader. Keep in mind that the excellent camo values provide the 121 great flexibility on the battlefield, the maps where it can go full beast mode can be quite limited.

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Players who sought a medium tank that devastates in close combat and flanking, yet offers flexibility with great camo, will find vast potential in the 121.

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Players who sought a medium tank that devastates in close combat and flanking, yet offers flexibility with great camo, will find vast potential in the 121. However, the 121 can be quite difficult to master. But in the right hands, no other tank can wreck things quite like the 121 does.

Development began in 1962 on a new medium tank based on the Type 59. The new tank was expected to feature improvements in firepower and armor protection. However, the project was canceled shortly after. Some technical innovations were applied later, in the development of the Type 69 tank. All 121 tank prototypes were destroyed during Chinese nuclear weapon testing.

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Note: The 121 is not to be confused with the WZ-121, better known as the Type 69.

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==Background==

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The 121 was the first attempt of China to develop its own tank after the breakdown of relations between China and the Soviet Union. However, the project was considered too ambitious, and development instead switched to the Type 69, which itself was developed from a captured T-62.

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The prototype 121 ended up being destroyed as a test vehicle during Chinese nuclear testing, along with the prototype WZ-132's. No pictures or blueprints of the tank survive.

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|HistAcc=

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As many of the data of the 121 were either lost or are still classified by the Chinese government, many of the technical aspects of the tank were made up by Wargaming.

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* The 121 is commonly mistaken for the WZ-121, the Chinese industrial designation for the Type 69 tank. The Type 69 was derived from the Type 59 and has no relation to the 121.

121

Specifically, the mismatch in crew values caused by commander's 10% crew skill bonus. Outside of a crew of 1 commander only, 100% crew is a fiction. The client values, given for 100% crew, will normally be taken into battle with 110% crew skill members aside from specific functions, causing their actual performance to deviate from the expected client value.
These differences are taken into account in tooltip boxes.

Dispersion Change Values

Development of a new medium tank based on the Type 59 began in 1962. The new tank was expected to feature improvements in firepower and armor protection. However, the project was canceled shortly after. Some technical innovations were applied later, in the development of the Type 69 tank. All 121 tank prototypes were destroyed during Chinese nuclear weapon testing.

The 121 continues the Chinese tradition of installing the largest gun possible on a medium tank. The 121 is an all round improvement over the WZ-120 with improved gun handling and DPM being the main benefits.

With its 122mm gun, the 121 excels in the peek-and-boom role, and may outtrade most other medium tanks or even heavy tanks. The armor might not lend itself to proper front-line use, but as always the soup-bowl turret and angled frontal plate will extend your survivability.

The 121 is a menacing opponent for any tank in a straight close-range brawl and is flexible enough to carry games with its raw damage output. Still, expect to struggle if not fighting on your own terms - the gun handling is nowhere near the best T10 mediums.

The 121 marks the end of its Chinese medium line.

Modules / Available Equipment and Consumables

Modules

Guns

Tier

Gun

Penetration(mm)

Damage(HP)

Rate of fire(rounds/minute)

Dispersion(m/100m)

Aiming time(s)

Weight(kg)

Price()

X

122 mm 60-122TG

258/340/68

440/440/530

6.25

0.35

2.7

2800

185140

Turrets

Tier

Turret

Turret Armor (front/sides/rear)(mm)

Turret Traverse Speed(deg/s)

View Range(m)

Weight(kg)

Price()

X

121

240/130/60

40

400

10000

66000

Engines

Tier

Engine

Engine Power(hp)

Chance of Fire on Impact(%)

Weight(kg)

Price()

X

12150L7

580

12

935

25000

Suspensions

Tier

Suspension

Load Limit(т)

Traverse Speed(gr/sec)

Rmin

Weight(kg)

Price()

X

121

42

50

B/2

7700

82500

Radios

Tier

Radio

Signal Range(m)

Weight(kg)

Price()

X

A-220B

750

40

54000

Compatible Equipment

Compatible Consumables

Player Opinion

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Thick turret armour offering great protection (but can be penetrated through turret cheeks at closer range)

Great traverse and turret traverse speed

Excellent camouflage values

Tied with the Object 430U for the highest alpha damage for a medium tank, yet has higher DPM

Improved normalization over most T10 mediums (due to AP as standard)

Cons:

Sluggish acceleration due to below average engine power

Mediocre gun depression of 5 degrees (Used to be 3.5)

2nd worst default shell velocity of all tier 10 medium tanks

Poor aim-time and on-the-move dispersion

Weak lower glacis that can be penetrated by even tier 8 tanks

Performance

The 121 is superficially similar to the T-62A, being one of the many tanks descended from the T-54. It has near identical camo values, which are excellent, similar hull geometry, and similar hard stats (engine power, front turret armor). However, the high alpha gun make it a completely different vehicle. It's ideal for those who wished they had a T-62A configured for brawling. Close to mid-range is where the 121 outperforms the T-62A. In comparison, the T-62A's shell velocity is much higher (due to using APCR ammo over AP), offers better dispersion stats and the tank is overall more agile. The 121's slower-moving shells, longer aim time make it sub-par at long-distance sniping. However, the 121's accuracy is still quite decent for a chinese tank, especially in comparison to its predecessors.

Boasting the highest alpha damage among the tier X mediums, the 121 is well-stocked in raw firepower. It's widely unknown that the 121 wields the same gun as the IS-4, a tier 10 heavy tank. Installed on a medium tank, however, the gun sports a 25% faster reload speed. This reload can be shaved down to ~8 seconds with a rammer and BIA, giving it the advantage it needs to compete in a close-range brawl.
The 121's 120mm front hull is comparable to that of the infamous T-54, and superior to that of the T-62A. As such, T-54 drivers who are familiar with the basic corner maneuver, (see here), can almost triple their armor effectiveness. Head-on and not angled, the hull is effective to around 200 pen; substantial protection against lower tiers, but otherwise average for tier 10 mediums. Also, the lower glacis is a large weakness and is easily penetrated, unlike on the T-54, where the lower glacis retains 120mm of armor.

The 121 is not for everyone. The mediocre (for a T10) gun handling can be a huge deterrence; skilled driving and experienced marksmanship are essential. The 121 can be exceptionally devastating in an aggressive, yet not-reckless, playstyle. It finds itself at home alongside heavy tanks by taking advantage of reloading enemies, friendly heavy armor, and exposed flanks. Although deadly in an one-on-one brawl, the 121 still remains a medium tank. It doesn't have the hitpoints nor armor to spare. Keep in mind that the excellent camo values provide the 121 great flexibility on the battlefield, maximising your potential in situations where you can't stay exposed for multiple shots.

Players who sought a medium tank that devastates in close combat and flanking, yet offers flexibility with great camo, will find vast potential in the 121.

Early Research

None Required.

Suggested Equipment

External Reviews and Opinions

Gallery

121 front left view

121 front right view

121 rear left view

121 rear right view

121 1

121 2

121 3

Historical Info

Note: The 121 is not to be confused with the WZ-121, better known as the Type 69.

Background

The 121 was the first attempt of China to develop its own tank after the breakdown of relations between China and the Soviet Union. However, the project was considered too ambitious, and development instead switched to the Type 69, which itself was developed from a captured T-62.

The prototype 121 ended up being destroyed as a test vehicle during Chinese nuclear testing, along with the prototype WZ-132's. No pictures or blueprints of the tank survive.

click to read more...

Historical Accuracy Errata

The following are consensus errors or inconsistencies which have been identified with the configuration of the vehicle in question and conflict with information available on the public record. The causes for these divergences in the game are normally not disclosed and may be rooted in game balance.

As many of the data of the 121 were either lost or are still classified by the Chinese government, many of the technical aspects of the tank were made up by Wargaming.

The 121 is commonly mistaken for the WZ-121, the Chinese industrial designation for the Type 69 tank. The Type 69 was derived from the Type 59 and has no relation to the 121.